She Became A Downfall Noble Lady
Chapter 177 - 176 What is it For

Chapter 177: Chapter 176 What is it For

Jiang Yifan, watched closely by Ye Xinyan and Jinrong, showed no sign of discomfort and spoke with his usual candor and gentleness, "Please forgive my frankness, educating the common people is the duty of a local official. The Qi family’s small shop has opened in the town not long ago and has already gained a respectable reputation. I have also heard that the shop is in negotiations to purchase the adjacent shops and residential houses. If they continue to do business this way, the Qi family’s prosperity is just around the corner."

Although Qi Younian didn’t know why Jiang Yifan suddenly brought up his family’s property and business dealings, it was necessary to exchange pleasantries so that Your Excellency the County Magistrate could continue speaking.

"I am flattered by Your Excellency’s high regard," began the old man humbly, "It’s just a small-scale family business, hardly something to be brought to public attention. Though we also dream of living a wealthy life, it remains just a dream."

Qi Yougui, however, had no clue what Your Excellency the County Magistrate really meant and was utterly baffled. He quietly murmured to himself: Is the Second Branch family’s store, which makes large coins, on the Magistrate’s radar? Yet, Magistrate Sir looks too honorable, not the type to be a villainous scoundrel.

Perhaps Jiang Yifan grew irritated by Jinrong and Ye Xinyan’s scrutiny and, before speaking again, gave them a glance filled with an obvious warning.

"Do not sell yourself short," he continued. "As the official in charge of Qingyuan County, if the people under my jurisdiction are prosperous and content, that would be their good fortune and my own wish as well. Old man, with the prospect of your family flourishing, you must act even more cautiously in the future. One must avoid criticism or conduct that corrupts morals."

No sooner had Jiang Yifan spoken these last words than Ye Xinyan rolled her eyes deeply.

That’s it, the flaw lies here. Indeed, the second branch of the Qi family, a small household, has gained sudden prominence, becoming the center of attention in Clear Water Village and the surrounding villages.

For such a family without a strong foundation, it’s a given they can’t keep up with many rules. If someone were to maliciously frame them, tainting their reputation with scandal or even more serious allegations, not only would it be a catastrophe for the second branch of the Qi family, but it would also reflect poorly on Jiang Yifan’s responsibility to educate properly as the head of the county.

Moreover, this concerns her own identity. When nothing is awry, it’s all too easy to cover up. However, should a case involving criminal charges arise and someone with ulterior motives fans the flames, her true identity would be impossible to hide.

By then, it wouldn’t just be a small matter in a little county. The involvement would be immense: not only would Qi Younian and Nanny Jin bear corresponding guilt, but it would also drag Duke An’s Mansion into the scandal of falsely reporting the death of their granddaughter.

At that point, Duke An’s Mansion would face more than mere humiliation. And with such an impact, Jiang Yifan’s career could likely face a devastating blow.

Jinrong, of course, understood the crux of the matter, but with the Duke’s Mansion’s servants and spies close by Ye Xinyan, not only was it unlikely for unpleasant events to occur, but even if they did, he would be informed immediately and would squash the issue at the bud.

Therefore, Jinrong wasn’t worried about the implications hidden in Jiang Yifan’s words. What he couldn’t be sure of was whether Jiang Yifan had truly taken an interest in Ye Xinyan or if he was afraid that Ye Xinyan, under the eye of her ex-husband, might get involved in a scandal that could damage his reputation.

One must know, a person’s career faces fierce competition and can be affected by too many factors. If Ye Xinyan’s behavior were to cause another scandal, especially under Jiang Yifan’s jurisdiction, it would immediately make him a laughingstock in official circles, branding him with disgrace.

Needless to say, the prospects for an official tarred with such shame to have a smooth career are minuscule at best.

In attendance now were Jinrong and Jiang Yifan, seated in the place of honor, accompanied by Qi Younian and Qi Yougui, with Ye Xinyan and the young servants of Jinrong and Jiang Yifan standing by.

Among them, only Qi Yougui was oblivious to the situation at hand while the others had their own interpretations, all converging towards a similar understanding.

Jinrong, given his powerful control over the Qi family’s information, knew better that a young man had come to the Qi family. Though he was said to be Ye Xinyan’s uncle, his identity carried little authority. In essence, he was a young man with no familial ties to Ye Xinyan whatsoever.

According to the daily updates from Nanny Liu, although Wong Qiao’s stay at the Qi family’s home was brief, he got along very well with Ye Xinyan, as the two of them often discussed affairs together without avoiding suspicion.

For Jinrong personally, Jiang Yifan’s official career was very important, and it was also crucial that Ye Xinyan could serve safely and smoothly as his Chief Steward.

"Indeed, Lord Jiang considers matters thoroughly," Jinrong broke the silence in the room, smiling as he spoke, "Given Lady Qi’s capabilities, it’s certain that she’ll become the Chief Steward, and afterwards she’ll deal with people of many different statuses. More rules are good for everyone."

Ye Xinyan glanced indifferently at Jinrong, neither uttering a word nor showing any sign of approval for what Jinrong said.

Was Jinrong’s comment implying that they should start building a courtyard with three to five sections? She had never heard that hiring a Chief Steward included the requirement that the Chief Steward’s housing had to meet a certain standard.

She was only refraining from arguing with him on account of his status as Prince Jinrong, otherwise she really should question him on this matter, to see what he would say.

Jinrong cleared his throat, intending to speak again when, from outside the door, Nanny Liu reported, "Old Master Cheung from the second branch of the Qi family and Third Master Wong have arrived."

As a businessman, Jinrong naturally did not have the privilege of speaking first; he looked to Jiang Yifan.

Jiang Yifan said, "Please let them in."

Cheung Wusi and Wong Qiao, knowing that the Magistrate was staying at the Qi family’s main branch, were unaware of why they had been summoned. Upon hearing the call from inside, they quickly entered, lifting their heads for a glance at the two main figures; they likely were the inspecting Magistrate Sir and Sixth Master Rong.

They bowed to Jinrong and Jiang Yifan, and introduced themselves.

Jiang Yifan waved his hand and said, "No need for formalities, please have a seat." Shi Yu hastily signaled to Shi Shu to bring over two chairs.

Jinrong was aware of Qi Younian’s correspondence with Hezhou, and had also mentioned it in casual conversation with Jiang Yifan, where he had laughed about the solid and genuine camaraderie among the lower-level hustlers and peddlers, which was truly more heartwarming and sincere than the interest-filled interactions within large families.

This Qi Younian, already of an advanced age, just as his family’s situation was starting to improve, had thought to pull a brother up with him, which showed considerable heart for a non-blood-related brother.

Jinrong also roughly knew about Cheung Wusi’s situation, but what he didn’t know was that accompanying Cheung Wusi on his hurried journey was a young man named Wong Qiao.

In fact, it was not surprising. Caring for a brother and for the son left behind by a deceased Cousin meant the same. What Jinrong hadn’t expected was that this Wong Qiao was also a talented and skilled builder.

Jinrong’s gaze shifted between Wong Qiao and Ye Xinyan, and from the current perspective, Wong Qiao and Ye Xinyan appeared to have very similar attributes, both possessing the talent and Spiritual Energy to manage specific affairs.

Continuing to interact in this manner seemed somewhat inappropriate. Jinrong slightly furrowed his brows.